Steel Band Festival

The CultureMix Steel Band Festival showcases the musical talents of hundreds of Berkshire children at an annual public concert.

For 2018 the festival took place at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading on 16 June.

With guest artist ‘The Mighty Melody Invaders’ a children’s reggae band from Western House Academy in Slough, and the virtuoso pan musicians of RASPO Ensemble, the CultureMix Steel Band Festival returned with a massed choir and steel band collaboration for a performance of an original piece written especially for the event.

‘Let’s Play Steel Pan’ is a song written for children’s choir and steel orchestra that tells the story of the musical instrument from its beginnings in the tiny twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago to a sensational global activity for all to enjoy.

In this short film children and teachers talk about their experience of taking part in the Festival.

Let’s Play Steel Pan

ChorusAll of the steel pans set up in rows.
All of the players ready to goThe conductor taps on the side of the pan.
(1-2-3-4) Let’s play Steel Pan

Verse 1
This is the story of the steel panThat started life in a faraway landCalled Trinidad…where there’s sea and sun
and the carnival is for everyone

First they were oil drums wanted no more.
Thrown from the ships – washed up on the shore
They never knew…. that the drums one day
Would cross the world to play – for you….

Chorus

Verse 2
How does an oil drum make a steel pan
Not manufactured recycled by hand
We sink the bowl…. till it’s deep and round
Hammer tunes the notes to get the sound

The hammer goes bang – the note is still flat
It bangs once more – the pitch is exact
Hang on a stand… so perfect and proud
As the excited crowd– gather round.

Chorus

RAP
The lead tenor rings and the melody singsDouble seconds and guitars the harmony brings
The cello pans talk such a beautiful sound.
The bass and tenor bass – deep and profound
The crowd go wild and they stamp their feet
Clapping their hands to the calypso beat

2019 Steel Band Festival

Steel Band Festival - In numbers

To deliver this spectacular event the CultureMix teaching team work with hundreds of school children in dozens of schools throughout the year who learn a repertoire especially compiled for the event. Hours of dedication, determination and practice enables the children from each school to join together for a performance premiere to an appreciative audience.

Quick Enquiry

CultureMix offers paid and voluntary roles within the organisation. Training and work experience increase employment opportunities. Click here to find out more about our business training and vacancies.